Inside Indochina. 22 days Vientiane to Siem Reap. Trip Highlights. What's Not Included. What's Included TRIP NOTES

Transcription

1 22 days Vientiane to Siem Reap Take an exciting journey through Indochina. Discover Laos with its grand royal palace, golden Buddhist monastery temples and friendly ethnic minority people, before continuing to Vietnam to uncover the highlights of north and south including Halong Bay, Saigon and the Mekong. The finale is the captivating kingdom of Cambodia, where we explore the jungle clad Ta Phrom and the majestic Angkor Wat emerging from the early morning mist. HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights Vientiane - capital of Laos, Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, the COPE Centre, That Luang Stupa, Patuxay Monument and the Buddha Park Thalat Market and ethnic minority villages Vang Xang - an 11th century archaeological site Vang Vieng - a picturesque riverside village, Tham Jang Caves, Ban Huai Ngai village Luang Prabang - the UNESCO Listed former royal capital, Temples of Visoun, Ahan and Sene, a weaving centre, the former Royal Palace, superb views from Mount Phousi Pak Ou Caves - crammed with Buddha statues and Khouangsi Waterfall Hanoi - Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ancient Quarter Halong Bay - UNESCO Listed region with thousands of beautiful limestone peaks and islets Hue - ancient citadel, Imperial Purple City, Royal Tombs, Thien Mu Pagoda and monastery Hoi An - UNESCO Listed ancient town, famed for its beautifully preserved old city, tailors, handicrafts markets and nearby beaches Saigon - Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post Office and War Remnants Museum Mekong Delta - a maze of waterways and floating villages incl. Cai Be waterways, cottage industries and mansion home Can Tho - lively market town in the Mekong Delta and nearby Cai Rang floating market Cu Chi Tunnels - HQ of the Viet Cong Phnom Penh - Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields Siem Reap - base for exploring the temples of Angkor incl. Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom, Preah Khan, Banteay Srei and Angkor Wat! What's Included 20 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinner 18 nights 4 star and special class hotels, 1 night deluxe junk boat and 1 overnight sleeper train (Junk boat: private cabin, Sleeper train: basic, 4 berth cabin) Economy class flights Luang Prabang Hanoi, Danang - Saigon, Phnom Penh - Siem Reap Halong Bay Junk boat cruise - opt to swim, kayak and explore caves Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration Sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 22 Guided sightseeing - Vientaine, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta, Saigon, Cu Chi, Phnom Penh and the temples of Angkor Escorted by an English speaking Laotian, Vietnamese and Cambodian tour guides All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles Visa approval letter (excl. stamping fee required upon arrival) What's Not Included Tipping Kitty: USD$65-75, paid in USD Entrance Fees: USD$ , paid in USD International flights and visas. Vietnam visa letter included - stamping fee required upon arrival Tip for your tour guides. We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guides is an entirely personal gesture -1-

2 DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 : Vientiane Saturday. Welcome to Laos! Airport arrival transfer and hotel check in. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight - Vientiane Day 2 : Vientiane city tour After breakfast we explore the charming and laid-back capital of Laos with a city tour. We visit the oldest Buddhist monastery temple in the country - Wat Si Saket and the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaeo, built to house the famed Emerald Buddha. Today it serves as the national museum of religious art. Learn about Laos tragic past and present suffering at the COPE Centre, an organization that works with victims of unexploded bombs and mines. Next visit Pha That Luang, the most important monument in Laos and a symbol of both Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. We also stop to view the imposing Patuxay monument - Vientiane s own Arc de Triomphe. Later in the afternoon enjoy time exploring the hundreds of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures scattered throughout Buddha Park. End the day with a sunset dinner beside the Mekong River. Overnight - Vientiane (B, D) Day 3 : Vang Vieng countryside to Vang Vieng. Along the way we visit Ban Keun, famous for its salt extraction plant and a village of local Lao rice wine whiskey distillation. Our next stop is the busy and colourful market of Thalat, where local hill tribes come to trade and shop and also visit the archaeological site of Vang Xang that dates back to the 11th century. Arriving at Vang Vieng, nestled on the banks of the Nam Song River is our delightful hotel. What this hotel may lack in comfort it certainly makes up for in rustic appeal and, breathtaking views and scenery. The remainder of the day offers free time, perhaps opt to explore the local caves, take a bicycle ride through the surrounding countryside or go tubing along the river. Overnight - Vang Vieng (B, D) Day 4 : Tham Jang Cave, Ban Huai Ngai village Vang Vieng Luang Prabang. This morning we explore the famous caves of Tham Jang once used by the local people as a hideout during Chinese invasions. We observe the lifestyles of the local people at Ban Huai Ngai village before making our way further north to the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Luang Prabang. Overnight - Luang Prabang (B) Day 5 : Temples of Luang Prabang Consider rising early this morning to view the daily ritual of saffron-clad monks and their procession down the streets of Luang Prabang collecting alms from the residents. After we commence our sightseeing tour of this enchanting city, starting with a visit to the oldest temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun, and the banyan tree graced grounds of Wat Aham, we stop at the Ock Pop Tok weaving centre. Later we marvel at the former Royal Palace, now a national museum and home to gilded rooms and Buddha artifacts. Vientiane Vang Vieng. We leave the capital early and journey north through lush Day 6 : Wat Sene & Wat Xieng Thong Discover more of Luang Prabang s holy sites with a morning visit to Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong. Then we set sail on a scenic cruise up the Mekong River to visit the incredible Pak Ou caves, which are crammed with Buddha images of all shapes and sizes, stopping at villages en route to sample local rice wine and shop for local handicrafts. Overnight - Luang Prabang (B, L) Days 7-8 : Fly Luang Prabang - Hanoi Friday. Luang Prabang - Hanoi. Today offers free time for you to relax by the swimming pool or further explore Luang Prabang. Cycling, kayaking and other outdoor pursuits can be arranged locally. Late this afternoon we fly from Luang Prabang to Hanoi in Vietnam. Our flight arrives at approximately 19:20 and hotel check in is likely to be around 9pm. It's a good idea to have a late lunch before leaving Luang Prabang and to pack some snacks as arriving to the hotel will be the first opportunity to have dinner. Tomorrow offers free time for you to explore Vietnam s gracious capital. Lively markets, beautiful lakes, ancient pagoda s and the thriving, historic old city, are all easily navigated on foot. Early this evening our welcome meeting takes place. Please check the our welcome letter given to you upon arrival for the exact time. Overnight - Hanoi (B:2) In the afternoon we stop at ethnic minority villages before arriving at the beautiful Khouangsi waterfall. Dip in the turquoise pools or take a walk along the forest trails. Tonight there is the option to learn to cook tasty local cuisine at a local restaurant. Overnight - Luang Prabang (B) -2-

3 Day 9 : Junk boat cruising streets framed by narrow front tube houses and may have a chance to sample the exotic fruits, sizzling noodle dishes and delightfully sticky snacks being offers by the pavement vendors. Day 12 : Road of the Ocean Clouds After time to freshen up we board our overnight train (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the Reunification Express railway line to Hue. Overnight - Sleeper train (B) Day 11 : Imperial Hue Hanoi Halong Bay. A scenic drive early this morning leads us to the stunningly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Boarding our traditional wooden junk boat we cruise the emerald waters soaking up the panoramic vista of the thousand or so karst limestone islands that stud the bay. Later opt for a refreshing swim in one of the many sheltered coves before taking row boats to the pristine waterway known as 'Dark & Bright Lagoon' Tonight, there's a Vientnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before an impressive seafood dinner is served. Overnight - Halong Bay, Deluxe Junk Boat (B, L, D) Day 10 : Hidden grottoes, Halong Bay Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Start the day with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional massage. After exploring a lofty grotto hidden beneath towering cliffs, we return to port. Arriving to Hanoi mid afternoon an hour or so is spent exploring the quixotic web of streets, known as the 36 streets of the old quarter by cyclo (rickshaw). The motorbike swarming narrow lanes are each named after various guilds of the city s artisan who established themselves here centuries ago. There is Silver Street, Silk Street, Comb Street, Paper Street and more. We explore the maze of rambling Breakfast boxes will be served on the train. Arriving to Hue we embark on a sightseeing tour of the 19th-century Nguyen empire capital. We visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city, whose 21m high tower has become something of a symbol for Hue and the citadel. Within the citadel is the Imperial Purple Palace, an exact copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its impressive ramparts, formal moats and imperial palaces, some of which lay in ruin. In the countryside lies the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings, here we ll view the elaborate mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. As the sun sets opt for a cruise in a long boat along the gentle Perfume River or enjoy some retail therapy at the ever lively Dong Ba Market, a few minute's walk from our hotel. Overnight - Hue (B, L) Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. Today we take the scenic Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds), which offers magnificent views of beaches to one side and lush hills to the other. En route we stop for a walk along China beach before arriving to the charming, old-world trading port of Hoi An with it cobbled streets, traditional homes and tiny shop houses is a perfect place to lose yourself in a by gone era. Boutique restaurants, hip cafes along the waterfront, delightful craft shops and artisans including some of Asia s best bespoke tailors (whose services come at a nominal price), all can be found here. On a short walking tour of the enchanting historical town, we ll visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants homes and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. Overnight Hoi An (B) Day 13 : Tra Que village A bicycle ride into the countryside, leads us to Tra Que village. Here, we discover age old farming practices and learn about traditional medicine. It s a hands on experience today where we ll assist with tending the fields and gardens and cooking lunch. Overnight - Hoi An (B, L) -3-

4 Day 14 : Hoi An - your way A free day for you relax or further sightsee. You may wish to take a relaxing rowboat journey along the river or spend the day lazing by the beach or hotel pool. It s also possible to take an optional excursion to the most holiest and evocative of Vietnam s Cham sites, My Son or to Quang Ngai, the site of the My Lai massacre memorial. The massacre was a significant turning point in the Vietnam War and the story is told through photo presentation on a walk through the village. Overnight - Hoi An (B) of rice and children's toys get tossed from one sampan to another at great heights and speed before driving back to Saigon. Once called the Pearl of the Orient, modern Saigon is a thriving metropolis on the move. Sleek sky scrapers, gourmet restaurants, designer malls and swanky bars and spas are scattered between ancient pagodas, colonial era landmarks and lively street markets. Our walking tour of Saigon includes visits to the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post office and the sombering War Remnants Museum. Evening at leisure. Overnight - Saigon (B) (Security Prison - S21), a school that was gruesomely transformed into a torture chamber under the Khmer Rouge, and visit the Killing Fields where over 10,000 people were executed. Overnight - Phnom Penh (B) Day 19 : Angkor Wat Day 17 : Cu Chi Tunnels & Phnom Penh Phnom Penh Siem Reap. Hotel check out and transfer to the airport for your included flight to Siem Reap. After time to freshen up we visit the last Day 15 : Cruising the Mekong Hoi An - Saigon. Early morning flight to Saigon. Drive to the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as the rice bowl of Vietnam, the fertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice, as well as it fantastic views while boating along the canals. Taking our sampan from Vinh Long we ll cruise downstream through the maze of waterways of Cai Be visiting local cottage industries that Saigon - Phnom Penh. This morning we visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a sprawling underground network of tunnels and living quarters used by the Viet Cong during the war. Then we drive to the Cambodian border (crossing at Moc Bai/Bavet) and continue on to the capital of Phnom Penh. Today the nation s capital offers a bustling mix of Asia s past produce popcorn, coco candies and paper along the way. Lunch is served today in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island. Overnight - Can Tho (B, L) and present, a city quickly taking its place amongst the trendy capitals of the region with superb restaurants and a number of attractions. Overnight - Phnom Penh (B, D) Day 16 : Mekong & Saigon Day 18 : Royal Palace, Toul Sleng capital of the Angkorian Empire Angkor Thom. This monumental fortified city is encircled by a 100m wide moat and is famed for the huge statue heads that glare down from every angle. We continue to the monastic complex of Preah Khan before heading to the mother of all temples Angkor Wat. This breathtaking monument of man s devotion to his gods is believed to be the largest religious building in the world and contains thousands of wall carvings and extensive bas-reliefs. In the evening we enjoy a walking tour of the old market. Overnight - Siem Reap (B) Day 20 : Ta Phrom swallowed by the jungle Today we ll enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh. The National Museum of Fine Can Tho - Saigon. Early today we visit the ever lively Cai Rang floating market. Watch as melons, pineapples, fresh greens, sacks Arts, a graceful terracotta building of traditional design, houses the world s finest collection of Khmer sculpture. We continue with the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, famed for its lavish decorations the floors are paved with silver tiles and statues of Buddha are encrusted with thousands of diamonds. We later come face to face with the horrors of the Pol Pot regime as we visit Toul Sleng Early this morning opt to see Angkor Wat bathed in the spectacular golden light of sunrise. Later, we head out to Banteay Srei temple, considered by many to be the art gallery of Angkor with some of the best stone carvings in the world. -4-

5 Cut from stone of a pinkish hue, the Hindu temple is dedicated to Shiva and contains highly decorated libraries and intricate reliefs of divinities. Cambodia Country Guide Entrance Fees - collected in USD. The temple expedition continues with visits to Banteay Samre, East Mebon, Preah Khan, Banteay Kdei, Pre Rup and the atmospheric Ta Prohm. Swallowed by the jungle, vast muscular roots envelop the crumbling towers and walls whilst the trees foliage dapples the temple in shadow. There are plenty of great bars and restaurants in the compact city centre, easily navigated on foot. Overnight - Siem Reap (B) Entrance fees to most sites are not included, although reasonably priced. In Cambodia, we collect entrance fees on Day 2 of the tour (the amount is noted under exclusions on page one of this document). A breakdown of the entrance fee total is provided upon arrival. All funds collected in Cambodia for entrance fees are payable in USD. Day 21 : Roluos Temples & Lake Tonle Sap At the start of your tour, we take a small tipping kitty (the amount is noted under exclusions) from all tour participants to cover tips throughout your holiday. This saves you the hassle of knowing when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, bus drivers, train Tipping Kitty - collected in USD conductors and other support staff throughout the tour. This morning we visit the Roluos group of temples (Bakong, Lolei and Preak Ko), the earliest large and permanent temples built by the Khmers. The monuments mark the dawn of Khmer classical art, dating from the late 9th century, with elaborate inscriptions in the ancient Hindu language of Sanskrit. Later visit the floating village of Kompong Phluk. Houses built on soaring stilts hover over the Tonle Sap Lake whilst nearby, the petrified trees of a flooded forest are revealed whenever the water level drops. Note: Between Feb - July the water levels at Kompong Phluk village maybe too low to go boating, if so, we will visit Chong Kneas floating village where it will still be possible to go boating. Afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight - Siem Reap (B, L) Day 22 : Siem Reap Saturday. Today marks the end of our holiday. Lap up the hotel facilities this morning before hotel check out and included departure transfer to the airport.(b) KNOW BEFORE YOU GO This amount does not include a tip for your tour guides. For a job well done, we would suggest USD $3-6 per person per day. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture and ultimately the amount is up to you. Health Requirements You should seek medical advice before travelling to Cambodia from your local health practitioner and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide Tetanus, Typhoid, Hep A, Diptheria and Polio are recommended. There is the risk of malaria in parts of Cambodia so it is very important to check with your doctor before you go, to see whether malarial medication is required for the areas you are visiting. Yellow fever is not present in Cambodia but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from those travelling from an infected region. Water Tap water in Cambodia is not considered safe to drink. It's recommended to only drink bottled mineral water, which is readily available in hotels, shops and restaurants. Climate Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with two seasons; Rainy season from May to November, when the countryside is lush and green, and dry season from late November to April, when there are long days of glorious sunshine and clear skies. Temperatures in Cambodia remain fairly constant and warm throughout the year, apart from in the north, when winters (December to March) are generally colder. Guides and Groups Our longest group tour in Southeast Asia is our Bangkok to Angkor Wat - 23 day tour. All other group tours that we offer are sectors of this larger tour. As such on your holiday you may have travellers join you part way through your tour (in Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Saigon or Phnom Penh) or end their tour when you continue on. Guiding: In Cambodia, a Cambodian national guide is offered for arrangements in Phnom Penh. Upon arrival to Siem Reap you will meet a specialist regional guide who will lead your tour from here on. If travelling on our Thailand & Angkor Temples tour, your Cambodian tour guide will meet you upon arrival to Siem Reap Airport and conduct all arrangements from there forward till your return to Thailand. Time & Voltage Cambodia is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time(GMT). The voltage in Cambodia is 230v. In Cambodia 3 types of plugs are commonly accepted: 2 flat prong plugs (type A), the 2 round pin european plug (type C) and many of the new 4 and 5 star hotels use the British standard 3-pin plug (type G). To cover all bases, it is best to pack an international travel adaptor! Currency The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodia Riel but USD is also widely accepted and sometimes preferred in larger stores and supermarkets. -5-

6 Pound Sterling, US Dollars, Euro and other major currencies can be exchanged in Cambodia at various bureau de changes in major cities and towns. However foreign currency is also widely accepted and often desired more so it can give the shopper more buying power. ATMs can be found in all larger towns and cities and some five star hotels. We recommend you take a mixture of cash (preferably USD) and credit/ debit cards for ATM's. It's advisable to request bank notes in smaller denominations, as it can sometimes be hard to get change from large notes and smaller notes are handy for smaller purchases and gratuities. Traveller's Cheques are not recommended as they're often difficult to exchange and incur high fees. Essential Packing Lightweight cotton garments. Ladies will need to have their shoulders and legs (to below the knee) covered when visiting the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat. Please pack accordingly Comfortable walking shoes in addition to flip flogs/ thongs DEET based mosquito repellant & antihistamine cream Bring a 2 flat prong (type A) and a 2 round pin (type C) electrical adaptors. A universal adaptor will cover all bases Lightweight, fold up raincoat/ poncho/ umbrella Two spare passport photos & a photocopy of your passport A small daypack for your day-to-day needs Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume and torch Visas British, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, South African and USA passport holders are able to obtain a 30 day tourist visa upon arrival to Cambodia when entering via Pochentong International Airport in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap International Airport (in the Angkor Wat Region) and at the Moc Bai (Vietnam) and Bavet (Cambodia) land border. We use the Moc Bai/ Bavet land border crossing for all our group tours that travelling from Vietnam to Cambodia. At each of these entry points you must submit a photocopy of your passport (identification page) and one passport size photograph. The cost of the visa is currently USD30. Note: at the land border sometimes immigration will ask for more. In this situation point to the sign above the ticket window indicating that the cost is actually USD30 (subject to change). Further, you are best to give the exact amount i.e. USD30 as often if you give more you will not receive change. Alternatively, it is now also possible to obtain an e-visa in advance of travel. The e-visa allows for a length of stay up till 30 days. The e-visa is valid for 3 months from date of issue, not date of arrival, so please ensure that you do not obtain this visa to far in advance. Online processing time for this visa is 3 days. The e-visa is valid for entry via Pochentong International Airport in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap International Airport (in the Angkor Wat Region) and at the Moc Bai (Vietnam) and Bavet (Cambodia) land border. It is not valid at any other land or water border. To obtain an e-visa for Cambodia go to: It is also possible to obtain a 30 day tourist visa prior to arrival via the Cambodian Embassy in your home port, though please note tourist visas arranged with the embassy are valid for one month from date of issue, not date of arrival. PLEASE NOTE: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date, if it is not you may be refused entry into the country. Visa requirements are subject to change and visa procurement is solely the responsibility of the traveller and not of On The Go Tours. Laos Country Guide Entrance fees - collected in USD Entrance fees to most sites are not included, although reasonably priced. In Laos, we collect entrance fees on Day 2 of the tour (the amount is noted under exclusions on page one of this document). A breakdown of the entrance fee total is provided upon arrival. All funds collected in Laos for entrance fees are payable in USD. Tipping Kitty - collected in USD At the start of your tour, we take a small tipping kitty (the amount is noted under exclusions) from all tour participants to cover tips throughout your holiday. This saves you the hassle of knowing when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, bus drivers, train conductors and other support staff throughout the tour. This amount does not include a tip for your tour guides. For a job well done, we would suggest USD $3-6 per person per day. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture and ultimately the amount is up to you. Health Requirements You should seek medical advice before travelling to Laos from your local health practitioner and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide Tetanus, Typhoid, Hep A, Diptheria and Polio are recommended. There is the risk of malaria in parts of Laos so it is very important to check with your doctor before you go, to see whether malarial medication is required for the areas you are visiting. Yellow fever is not present in Laos but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from those travelling from an infected region. Water Tap water in Laos is not considered safe to drink. It's recommended to only drink bottled mineral water, which is readily available in hotels, shops and restaurants. Climate November through to April are the best months to travel to Laos, when the weather is warm and dry and the nights are comfortable and cool. Temperatures typically begin to rise around March and the rain arrives in May or June. From June through to August the humidity can rise and short tropical downpours are common. September and October can still bring the occasional shower. Guides & Groups Our longest group tour in Southeast Asia is our Bangkok to Angkor Wat - 23 day tour. All other group tours that we offer are sectors of this -6-

7 larger tour. As such on your holiday you may have travellers join you part way through your tour (in Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Saigon or Phnom Penh) or end their tour when you continue on. Guiding: A local national guide will escort the group for all arrangements in Laos. Time & Voltage Laos is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time(GMT). The voltage in Laos is 220AC, 50HZ. Plugs are not standard as many electical products are imported from China and Thailand. As such all sort of socket variations exist. The most common types found are: 2 flat prong (type A), the 2 round pin (type C) plugs. To cover all bases, it is best to pack an international travel adaptor! Currency DEET based mosquito repellant & antihistamine cream Bring a 2 flat prong (type A) and a 2 round pin (type C) electrical adaptors. A universal adaptor will cover all bases Lightweight, fold up raincoat/ poncho Two spare passport photos & a photocopy of your passport A small daypack for your day-to-day needs Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume and torch Arrival Transfers If your tour or short stay includes an airport arrival transfer (as indicated in the Inclusions section of these Trip Notes) our arrival procedure is as follows: Arrive in Laos at Wattay International Airport, attend to immigration by completing an immigration form and submitting your The official Laos currency is known as the Lao Kip, although three currencies are used interchangeably for everyday transactions. These are Kip, Thai baht and US Dollars. All major currencies are exchangeable in the main towns but USD is the most useful currency (cash) to hold as it can be exchanged and used in most places. Dollar bills must be in good condition and not torn or ripped. photograph and visa fee, then collect your luggage and proceed to the arrivals hall. In smaller towns and villages, Kip is usually preferred. The rule of thumb is that for everyday small purchases, prices are quoted in Kip. ATMs If, for any reason you have trouble locating our representative (after waiting 20 minutes in the arrival hall) or your flight is delayed please call the emergency contact number as stated on your tour voucher. are only available in Vientiane, Vangvieng and Luang Prabang and dispense a maximum of approx USD$70 (in Kip) at any one time it isn't advisable to rely upon them as they are commonly not working. Licensed money changers exist in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Their rates are similar to the banks and they stay open longer. We recommend you take a mixture of cash (preferably USD) and credit/ debit cards for ATMs. Essential Packing Sleep sheet if taking an overnight sleeper train. These also can be easily purchased in Hanoi at a cost of USD$5 Lightweight cotton garments Comfortable walking shoes in addition to flip flogs/ thongs As you enter the arrivals hall, look for our on the go representative. He/she will be holding a prominent on the go tours logo signboard. After meeting you will be escorted to our awaiting transportation and transfered to our tour start hotel If arriving on day 1 of a holiday, that includes an airport arrival transfer (as indicated in the Inclusions section of these Trip Notes) we will be at the airport, ready to transfer you to your hotel. Further if you are booking pretour accommodation with us an airport arrival transfer will also be provided. If arriving prior to 9am on day 1 (essentially on a flight that arrives very, very early in the morning) you will need to purchase a night of pre-tour accommodation to save you waiting until standard hotel check in time, which is generally 2pm. Visas able to obtain a 30 day tourist visa upon arrival to Laos at major airports and border crossings including Wattay International Airport in Vientiane (the entry point for all our tours in Laos), Luang Prabang International Airport and at the Friendship Bridge if coming from Thailand. At each of these entry points you must submit a visa application form and two passport size photograph. The cost of the visa for the above nationalities is currently ranges between USD30 - USD35. It is important that you have an entirely empty(stamp free) page in your passport and that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival. PLEASE NOTE: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date, if it is not you may be refused entry into the country. Visa requirements are subject to change and visa procurement is solely the responsibility of the traveller and not of On The Go. Vietnam Country Guide Entrance fees - collected in USD Entrance fees to most sites are not included, although reasonably priced. In Vietnam, we collect entrance fees on Day 2 of the tour (the amount is noted under exclusions on page one of this document). A breakdown of the entrance fee total is provided upon arrival. All funds collected in Vietnam for entrance fees are payable in USD. Tipping Kitty - collected in USD At the start of your tour, we take a small tipping kitty (the amount is noted under exclusions) from all tour participants to cover tips throughout your holiday. This saves you the hassle of knowing when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, bus drivers, train conductors and other support staff throughout the tour. This amount does not include a tip for your tour guides. For a job well done, we would suggest USD $3-6 per person per day. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture and ultimately the amount is up to you. British, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, South African and USA passport holders are -7-

8 Health Requirements You should seek medical advice before travelling to Vietnam from your local health practitioner and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus are strongly recommended. Malaria in Vietnam Areas with malaria: Rural only, except none in the Red River Delta and the coast north of Nha Trang. Rare cases in the Mekong Delta. None in Da Nang, Haiphong, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Nha Trang, and Qui Nhon. Estimated relative risk of malaria for travellers: Low Water The tap water in Vietnam is generally considered safe to drink, but as a precaution against stomach upsets you may want to drink bottled mineral water, which is readily available from shops, hotels and restaurants. Visas From 1 July 2015 onwards UK passport holders will not need a visa to visit Vietnam for up to 15 days. At customs you will need show your return airline ticket/e ticket as proof of your date of departure. If you're exiting Vietnam via a land border then your tour itinerary will be accepted as proof so please have this available to show to border police if requested. A visa is required for stays of 16 days or longer and if you are planning to return to Vietnam within 30 days of your last departure you will also need to purchase a visa. Most other nationalities including Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, South African and USA passport holders require a tourist visa to visit Vietnam. Travellers can choose to independently apply (or we can arrange this for you, see notes below) for a 30 day tourist visa (single or multiple entry) from the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or via the more convenient method of applying online. The cost is approx USD$20. After submitting an application you will receive a confirmation number, then upon arriving to Vietnam you would receive the actual visa and additionally pay a stamping fee of USD$45. The stamping fee for a multiple entry visa, for entries within one month is USD$65. Applying in advance and then collecting your tourist visa upon arrival is available to all travellers entering the country via Hanoi - Noi Bai International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Danang International Airport. ON THE GO ARRANGING YOUR VIETNAM VISA Upon confirming a holiday to Vietnam with us, if you require a visa please download a copy of our 'Vietnam Visa Data List' available on our website within the SE Asia, under the title of 'Visa Info'. Should you complete the form and return it as a Microsoft Word document via to us 6 weeks prior to your departure we will arrange the visa for you (effectively saving you USD$20). Then approximately 2-3 weeks prior to your departure we will forward to you a 'Visa Confirmation Letter' which carries a confirmation number'. You will need to present the 'Visa Confirmation Letter' and a 'Vietnam Visa Entry & Exit Form' (we have a link to this form on our website or you can pick up one upon arrival) to immigration officials upon arrival into Vietnam along with 2 passport photos and a stamping fee of USD$45 or USD $65 for a multiple entry visa. A Visa will then be stuck into your passport and you can enter Vietnam. Please note: This service is not available for South African passport holders who must obtain a tourist visa from the nearest Vietnamese Embassy in advance and pay the stamping fee directly to the embassy prior to travel. 'The Visa Confirmation Letter' (irrespective of whether you apply for your visa independently or through On The Go Tours) will contain personal information such as your passport number, nationality and date of birth of yourself and other travellers on one inclusive list. PLEASE NOTE: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date, if it is not you may be refused entry into the country. Climate Vietnam has a varied climate due to its geography. The south is hot year round and has two seasons: The wet season lasts from May to October, with brief, daily showers. The dry season from November to April is generally sunny and humid. In the north, the summer months (May to October) are hot and there is the occasional burst of heavy rain. In the winter (December to February) temperatures drop in the north and it can be damp. The coastal region of central Vietnam is blessed with long months of sunshine, although there is rainfall in November and December. At this time there can also be some typhoon activity in the central coastal region. Guides and Groups Our longest group tour in Southeast Asia is our Bangkok to Angkor Wat - 23 day tour. All other group tours we offer (with the exception of our Vietnam For Teens tour) are sectors of this larger tour. As such on your holiday you may have travellers join you part way through your tour (in Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Saigon or Phnom Penh) or end their tour when you continue on. Guiding: A Vietnamese guide will escort all arrangements throughout Vietnam. Time & Voltage The voltage in Vietnam is 220v. In Vietnam 3 types of plugs are commonly accepted: 2 flat prong plugs (type A), the 2 round pin plug (type C) and many of the new 4 and 5 star hotels use the British standard 3-pin plug (type G). To cover all bases, it is best to pack an international travel adaptor! Vietnam is 7 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight saving. Money The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong. Euro, British Pounds, US Dollars and other major currencies can be exchanged locally at the airport, bureau de changes or banks. US Dollar notes are widely accepted and shopkeepers use both currencies interchangeably. You can often pay for items in USD and receive your change in USD notes and coins in VND. Make sure that your -8-

9 USD bills are crisp and clean and you will have no problem using or exchanging these throughout your stay. ATM machines can be found in all major cities though it is not common to pay with credit card in restaurants, cafes or shops for purchases. It's advisable to request bank notes in smaller denominations, as it can sometimes be hard to get change from large notes and smaller notes are handy for smaller purchases and gratuities. Traveller's Cheques are not recommended as they're often difficult to exchange and incur high fees. Essential Packing Sleep sheet if taking an overnight sleeper train. These also can be easily purchased in Hanoi at a cost of USD$5. Ask you guide for info on where to buy these A day pack to carry all your essentials when out sightseeing each day An overnight bag, if you are staying aboard the Junk boat in Halong Bay. As we will be returning to Hanoi it is not essential that you take your big bag/ suitcase with you Lightweight cotton garments Comfortable walking shoes in addition to flip flops/ thongs DEET based mosquito repellant & antihistamine cream Bring a 2 flat prong (type A) and a 2 round pin (type C) electrical adaptors. A universal adaptor will cover all bases Lightweight, fold up raincoat/ poncho Two spare passport photos & a photocopy of your passport Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume and torch Arrival Transfers If your tour or short stay includes an airport arrival transfer (as indicated in the Inclusions section of these Trip Notes) our arrival procedure is as follows: Arrive to Hanoi - Noi Bai International Airport, Saigon - Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Proceed to the immigration counter and present your invitation letter. Complete an immigration form and submit your photographs and stamping fee of USD$25 (this can take some time). After collecting your luggage proceed to the arrival hall. As you enter the arrivals hall, look for our On The Go Tours representative. He/she will be holding a prominent On The Go Tours logo signboard. After meeting you will be escorted to our awaiting transportation and transferred to our tour start hotel If, for any reason you have trouble locating our representative (after waiting 20 minutes in the arrival hall) or your flight is delayed please call the emergency contact number as stated on your tour voucher. If arriving on day 1 of a holiday, that includes an airport arrival transfer (as indicated in the Inclusions section of these Trip Notes) we will be at the airport, ready to transfer you to your hotel. Further if you are booking pretour accommodation with us an airport arrival transfer will also be provided. If arriving prior to 9am on day 1 (essentially on a flight that arrives very, very early in the morning) you will need to purchase a night of pre-tour accommodation to save you waiting until standard hotel check in time, which is generally 2pm. Airline Luggage Allowance Aboard each wagon are 9 compartments that comprise of 4 bunks per compartment. 4 persons of mixed sex share one compartment. You may be sharing with people from your tour group, other tourists or Vietnamese people. Who you will share your cabin with is ultimately dependent upon how the Vietnamese Railways Corporation configures the bookings. Cabins onboard are comfortable though not comparable to European standards. A western style toilet (with a varying degree of cleanliness) is located at either end of the wagon. Airconditioning (not always operational in the summer) and lighting are controlled from inside the cabin, which is also lockable. Luggage can be stored in a compartment under the bottom bunk. Linen and a pillow are provided though we strongly recommend that you bring your own sleep sheet (easily purchased in Hanoi at a cost of USD$5). The cleanliness of the train varies according to wagons assigned to the journey for that particular day. Some wagons are spotlessly clean whilst others can be unclean and should have been decommissioned long ago. Irrespective of the particular train you take, they all have large clear glass windows that allow for uninterrupted views of stunning landscapes and never ending rice paddy fields. If your tour includes international or domestic flights within the region please be mindful that the free baggage allowance for Economy class travel is strictly 20kg and 1 piece of hand luggage up to 6kg. Any additional weight is charged at a per kilo rate. You may wish to keep this in mind whilst shopping. Trains in Vietnam It's not the Orient Express, but Vietnam's Reunification Express. On a number of our group tours we include an overnight train journey on the Reunification Express Railway Line between Hanoi and Hue. The particular SE series train that we use on this journey is the highest class of train available in Vietnam. It's titled as being the nation's fastest train; though by international standards it's quite the opposite. Never the less, our journey between Hanoi and Hue takes approximately 14 hours and travellers are accommodated in 4 berth 'Soft Sleeper' cabins. -9-